REASEHEATH College’s meerkats are breeding so successfully that they are being supplied to zoos nationwide.

Two groups of 18 animals are so productive that the Nantwich college has been able to send stock to 15 UK zoos.

Most recently, young males have been sent to Chester Zoo, the Welsh Mountain Zoo and Yorkshire Wildlife Park, where they have introduced a new genetic mix as well as providing a popular attraction for visitors.

In return, the college has welcomed a number of new animals from zoos to its own collection including a second tapir, four spider monkeys, two bat eared foxes, Californian quail, two Harris hawks and some angora and cashmere goats.

And the college's horticulture department is building a new otter enclosure, while there is also a new enclosure for cotton top tamarins.

Reaseheath’s animal management students are also benefiting through work placements at zoos and wildlife parks, with many are going on to win dream jobs in a very competitive market.

Some five former students are now working at the Welsh Mountain Zoo in Colwyn Bay.

Some zoo management students are currently building a tortoise enclosure at Stapeley Water Gardens in Nantwich, as part of their course.

Animal centre head Richard Champion said: “Our animal collection is becoming recognised throughout the country and our exchange of animals has led to strong industry links.

"Proof that we have a successful breeding programme is particularly rewarding as this happens only under the highest standards of animal husbandry.”

Reaseheath’s animal centre was the first college-based centre in the country to be awarded a zoo licence and houses over 167 species of animals.

The college also has a farm park stocked with wallabies, pygmy goats, Cameroon sheep, rhea, alpaca and ponies.

Reaseheath’s animal centre is currently undergoing a major refurbishment and will reopen to the public next summer.